Los Angeles Maritime Institute

30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

The Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) was founded more than 30 years ago to offer educational adventures at-sea for youth from under-resourced communities, with a focus on character-building and skill-building opportunities through sail training. We continue to provide this – and more – as we sail into our third decade on the water!

AWARD-WINNING YOUTH PROGRAMS

Our TopSail Youth and TopSail STEM Programs continue to win awards and accolades from the education community, government leaders, and the maritime industry for our approach to leadership training, experiential education, and our ability to inspire youth to pursue careers in STEM-related subjects and maritime trades.

THE OFFICIAL TALL SHIPS

Our purpose-built vessels – the twin brigantines, Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson – and their young crews were proclaimed the “Official Tall Ships and Maritime Ambassadors of the City of Los Angeles” by the Mayor and City Council of Los Angeles at their launch in 2002. Our three-masted schooner, American Pride, was named the “Official Tall Ship of the City of Long Beach” before we acquired her in 2018.

OPTIONS GALORE

You may be an educator looking to engage your class through our Virtual Voyage digital classes. You may be thinking to book a day sail for a field trip, to celebrate a special occasion, or create a leadership experience for your team or conference attendees. Our range of sailing and dockside options are what we’re known for and help us continue to provide educational programs to local youth.

Welcome to the Los Angeles Maritime Institute!

About Us

The Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses hands-on experiences at sea to provide an array of social, educational and leadership development opportunities to upper elementary, middle and high school students throughout Los Angeles County. Our TopSail Youth Program is offered year-round aboard the tall ships Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson, 110-foot traditionally rigged vessels named after sail training pioneers who sailed around the world seven times with young crews, and American Pride, a majestic 130-foot, three-masted schooner with a rich sailing history.

We offer:

Day programs and multi-day voyages
Leadership development and problem-solving
Hands-on STEM learning
Maritime skill-building
Sea-time certification
Boat building
Private charters
Community sails
Sea Scouts/Youth Crew
Volunteer opportunities

MISSION

The Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) serves to empower youth to discover their greater potential through extraordinary at-sea experiences aboard educational sailing vessels built to train and equip young people with 21st-century leadership skills, and inspire maritime and STEM career paths.

VISION

We envision a thriving community where every young person can look to the future with confidence and navigate successfully and responsibly in life.

MORE ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

PROGRAMS

Private charters for special events, team building, film shoots and more!

A VARIETY OF SAILING ADVENTURES AWAIT

LEARN MORE & BOOK YOUR SAIL

FEATURED

Captain's Log - Spring 2025: Remembering a Cherished Member of Our LAMI Family

Captain’s Log – Spring 2025 Update – Honoring Captain Mom

Known as “Captain Mom,” Captain Alice Robinson played a pivotal role in founding LAMI 33 years ago and helping us grow to where we are now. Though she has sailed beyond the horizon, Alice’s influence remains in every program we offer and every young person who discovers their potential aboard our vessels. Join us in honoring her legacy – and making our program possible for more young participants – when you honor and remember Captain Mom with us.

Explore the Coast Sponsored by Marathon Petroleum

Join us for our monthly bilingual and STEM-focused Educational and Exploration Sail aboard one of our tall ships. Sponsored by Marathon Petroleum, this two-hour round-trip excursion for adults and children 10 or older includes hands-on scientific activities, trained bilingual (Spanish) docents and engaging materials. Advanced registration is required. Click here for complete details.

UPCOMING EVENTS

August Sunset Sail

Enjoy a view of the harbor from a different perspective as you watch the sunset from the deck of a tall ship! Saturday, August 23, 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Adults: $60, Children (12 & under): $30

September Sunset Sail

Try something new on an old-fashioned tall ship as you enjoy the sun setting over the LA Waterfront! Saturday, September 6, 5:00 – 7:30 pm. Adults: $60, Children (12 & under): $30

See all Events

What Others are Saying…

Have you sailed with us recently? At LAMI, every student and teacher who steps aboard becomes part of our story,

a story of courage, teamwork, and discovery on the open sea.

    
 
 
         
   Lawrence Diener 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nothing else comes close to the incredible positive effects on kids !
  
 
        
   James Howat 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went on the sunset cruise and had a great time. The crew was enthusiastic and informative. I will be back with friends and family.
  
 
        
   Justin Grounds 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Single day and multiple day tall ship sailing experiences available. If you want to experience life aboard a Tall Ship, take a sail with the Iriving Johson and it allows you to work the lines, climb the mast, and see what it's like to be a sailor about a true to life Tall Ship.
  
 
        
   Celso Morrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Volunteering to see the light bulb coming on in the children's eyes when they understand what is going on while sailing a tall ship.
  
 
        
   Courtney Small 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Both of my children have been doing the LAMI Tall Ship sleep away camps for years.  They love their time on the ship.  It has taught them so much in terms of responsibility and taking care of themselves.  They become immersed in the sea and the natural world.  I 100% recommend sending your kids to Sea Camp.  Wish I could go too!
  
 
        
   Adriene Callahan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Smiles from ear to ear - Four Teenage Girls did the two week camp.  The best time ever! Highly recommend this program !